My Weekly Preview

I saw an interesting article in Sunshine Coast News last week. It read in part: "University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) students have taught robodogs new tricks, developing a voice-command app that allows the machines to herd sheep under the direction of a human handler.

Fear has always accompanied technological change. When elevators first appeared, passengers demanded human operators. The internet was once viewed as dangerous and internet bank transfers were seen as an open invitation to be ripped off. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and associated horror stories of disappearing jobs and driverless cars have become the latest targets of public anxiety.

One of the most anticipated food events and a signature highlight of The Curated Plate festival certainly lived up to its reputation this year. The Asian Food Festival was a vibrant celebration of flavours and community, set in the rainforest surrounds of Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny. Guests enjoyed a delicious food and drink trail of bold Asian-inspired dishes, curated beverages and a laid-back, picnic-style atmosphere with great live music all afternoon.

More ambulance staff and resources are on the way for the Sunshine Coast, but concerns remain about the future of dental, mental health and palliative care services. The additional resources were confirmed during Queensland Government Budget Estimates hearings, with Noosa MP Sandy Bolton welcoming the investment.

When John Baker accepted the role of Sunshine Coast Council chief executive officer, he inherited far more than the leadership of one of Queensland's largest local governments. He inherited responsibility for helping to shape the future of one of Australia's fastest-growing regions. Over the next two decades, the Coast is expected to grow to more than half-a- million residents, placing unprecedented pressure on housing, transport, infrastructure, healthcare and community services.

A Sunshine Coast man's hospital visit for suspected bronchitis has uncovered an aggressive and advanced bowel cancer diagnosis. The devastating news has prompted his friends to rally around Cameron Graham, launching a fundraiser to help support him and his family through the difficult months ahead. His friend Samantha Dunne, from Maroochydore, organised a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has already reached more than $7000 towards a $50,000 goal.

The new eastern beach bar at Moffat Beach is now complete and already proving popular. The rock seawall is also finished, with only minor adjustment works and the construction access track still to be built. In time for the September school holidays, the eastern car park will reopen and key areas of the foreshore will be returned to the community.

The annual STEPS Grand Winter Ball brought together the Sunshine Coast community for an elegant night of generosity and entertainment. The event raised $308,087 for STEPS Pathways Charity. The ball, sponsored by Caloundra RSL, is the major fundraising event for STEPS Pathways College: the first and only boarding college in Australia for young people with a disability and autism.

Works will begin later this year on the upgrade of Sunshine Coast Stadium, with the project set to create a legacy for the region ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The state government has approved a $9million program to support community sporting organisations that need to relocate while the upgrade, being delivered by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority takes place.

For many people facing a diagnosis of a blood disorder or cancer, the journey through healthcare can feel overwhelming. There are appointments, tests, treatments and uncertainty - often at a time when patients are already feeling vulnerable. The Solace Clinic was created to change that experience.